The Benefits of Fitness Programs in Assisted Living
How is your personal fitness level? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 28% of adults above the age of 50 are physically inactive.
Inactivity can cause our health to wither, as our bodies do as well. One of the best ways to tackle these problems is with fitness programs and senior fitness activities.
If you're curious about assisted living exercise, we're here to help. Read on for some active aging tips, as well as a look at how you can take fitness into your own hands.
Helping to Improve Physical Fitness
To start, what are the benefits of fitness programs? We'll begin by looking into some of the physical fitness improvements.
The first benefit is that it raises the all-around health of your body. There's no part of your body that won't benefit from being in better shape and getting adequate exercise.
According to the National Institutes of Health, exercise training in seniors and elders is associated with a variety of health benefits. One of the main benefits is decreased cardiovascular mortality. Translated out of medical jargon, that means fewer deaths as a result of heart problems.
Better Mobility and Balance
Your mobility and balance will also improve. Core strength is integral for helping us keep our balance.
Better balance means fewer falls. Since falls are such a significant threat to people in their advanced age, this is an exceptional safety benefit.
Physical fitness also means mobility improvements for seniors. These benefits can make it so that enjoying a nature walk or tackling the stairs isn't such a daunting task.
Increased Weight Management and Endurance
Another benefit to fitness programs is better weight management. Weight management is the act of keeping your body weight in a healthy range.
According to the Health Policy Institute of Georgetown University, about 15 million adults above the age of 51 are obese. Translated, that means about one in four adults in this age bracket.
With such high numbers, it's easy to see why weight management is necessary. Obesity is often cited as a cause of many different health issues, so it's best to stay within a healthy weight range.
Along with this improved fitness is better endurance. That means less time catching your breath and more time enjoying the tasks you love.
Finding the Mental and Emotional Boons
It isn't all physical benefits. Did you know that the right fitness programs will also give you emotional and mental benefits? Here are some of the most prominent emotional benefits of senior fitness activities.
Reducing Anxiety
One of the best benefits of exercise is how it helps to reduce anxiety. According to Harvard Health, moving your body will help to decrease your muscle tension. Doing so helps your body feel less anxious, which translates to your mental state.
Increasing your heart rate can also change your brain's activity. Serotonin flows more readily when you're exercising, for example.
Boosting Cognitive Function
Exercising can also help to boost cognitive function. According to the CDC, physical activity can help you do better with thinking, learning, and problem-solving.
Staying active also can:
- Improve your memory
- Reduce feelings of depression
- Reduce your risk of cognitive decline, including dementia
- Reduce the risk of some cancers
Staying active can help your body immensely. Enjoy these benefits by enrolling in elderly wellness programs.
Helping to Socialize
Have you ever felt lonely or isolated in your community? It's exceptionally common for seniors to battle things like loneliness.
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, about one in three adults above the age of 50 reported feeling isolated from others. Isolation can be demoralizing and fill our days with dread, but not when we're socializing well.
Fitness programs are full of other people who all have the same goal as you. You can meet new people and make new friends by enjoying your fitness goals.
Finding Good Fitness Programs
Now that we know the many benefits of fitness programs, how can you find a good fitness program?
Most assisted living communities offer fitness programs as an included amenity. These programs are often in the form of social events or community inclusion.
Look into what sorts of programs your community offers so you know what's available to you. It's best to start slow at first. Join one group and see how the exercise feels before joining another.
You can also mesh some of your interests with this goal. If you're looking to get into dancing, finding a dancing fitness class is a great choice. That way, you can chase both goals at once while getting all of the benefits of a new, healthier you.
Self-Motivated Fitness
Another great goal is to have a self-motivated fitness program. Many fitness programs are group-motivated. While that's a perfectly fine form, some people prefer to work on fitness alone.
You should know what sort of fitness program you can do without a trainer or community around you. What sorts of exercises can you tackle in your living quarters without having to wait for senior fitness activities?
Think of what exercises are safe to do without being too taxing. Shoulder rolls and shrugs are great for your upper body, which is great in terms of mobility improvement for seniors.
There are also some simple core exercises that you can enjoy, but be careful. We caution against any exercise that would have you on the floor or that may challenge your mobility. These exercises are easy to get hurt during, which can drastically impact your fitness goals.
Making the Most of Your Senior Fitness Activities
Fitness programs and elderly wellness programs are crucial for the physical and mental health of seniors. Community members should look into what senior fitness activities are on offer so they know what programs they can enjoy. It's the first step to the new and healthier you!
At Addington Place of Prairie Village, we're more than just a community; we're somewhere to call home. Our senior living community focuses on a personalized and secure senior living environment to provide you with a vibrant lifestyle. Contact us to see how we can help you live your best life today.